King James Version

What Does 1 Thessalonians 4:5 Mean?

1 Thessalonians 4:5 in the King James Version says “Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:” — study this verse from 1 Thessalonians chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:”

1 Thessalonians 4:5 · KJV

Context

3

For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:

4

That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;

5

Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:

6

That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. defraud: or, oppress, or, overreach in: or, in the matter

7

For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God—mē en pathei epithymias kathaper kai ta ethnē ta mē eidota ton Theon (μὴ ἐν πάθει ἐπιθυμίας καθάπερ καὶ τὰ ἔθνη τὰ μὴ εἰδότα τὸν Θεόν). Pathos epithymias (πάθος ἐπιθυμίας, 'passion of lust/lustful passion') describes sexuality driven by selfish desire rather than covenant love. Pathos indicates overpowering passion; epithymia means craving or lust. Together they describe sexuality as appetite demanding satisfaction, the pagan view Paul contrasts with Christian holiness.

The Gentiles which know not God (ta ethnē ta mē eidota ton Theon, τὰ ἔθνη τὰ μὴ εἰδότα τὸν Θεόν)—ignorance of God produces sexual immorality. Rejecting Creator means rejecting His design for sexuality (Rom 1:24-27). The Thessalonians were former pagans (1:9); Paul reminds them not to revert to pagan sexual ethics. Knowing God transforms sexuality from selfish gratification into holy expression of covenant love. Christian sexual ethics flow from Christian theology—God's character, humanity's creation in His image, marriage as Christ-church picture (Eph 5:32).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul writes to Gentile converts from paganism. They'd grown up in cultures where sexuality was divorced from morality—temple prostitution was worship, adultery was entertainment, sexual exploitation was normal. The phrase 'Gentiles who know not God' doesn't condemn ethnicity but ignorance of the true God. Many Thessalonian believers were ethnically Gentiles who now knew God (1:9); they must not live like Gentiles who remain ignorant. This ethical distinction, not ethnic superiority, marks Christians: those who know God live differently from those who don't.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does knowing God transform your understanding and practice of sexuality compared to cultural perspectives driven by 'passion of lust'?
  2. What evidence demonstrates that your sexual ethics flow from knowledge of God rather than conformity to contemporary culture?
  3. How can churches teach countercultural sexual purity with compassion for those who've lived by lustful passions?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
μὴ1 of 13

“Not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ἐν2 of 13

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

πάθει3 of 13

“the lust”

G3806

properly, suffering ("pathos"), i.e., (subjectively) a passion (especially concupiscence)

ἐπιθυμίας4 of 13

“of concupiscence”

G1939

a longing (especially for what is forbidden)

καθάπερ5 of 13

“as”

G2509

exactly as

καὶ6 of 13

“even”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τὸν7 of 13

“which”

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἔθνη8 of 13

“the Gentiles”

G1484

a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)

τὸν9 of 13

“which”

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μὴ10 of 13

“Not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

εἰδότα11 of 13

“know”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

τὸν12 of 13

“which”

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεόν13 of 13

“God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Thessalonians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Thessalonians 4:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Thessalonians 4:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Galatians 4:8Acts 17:30-31Ephesians 4:17-19Colossians 3:52 Thessalonians 1:8Romans 1:26

Test Your Knowledge

1 Thessalonians 4 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Thessalonians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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